NEWS SUMMARY
A team of astronomers studying the atmospheres of exoplanets in search for biosignatures (features that can be evidence of past or present life) found dimethyl sulfide (DMS) molecules in the atmosphere of a planet called K2-18b. DMS on Earth is mostly produced by marine algae, which led the astronomers to consider the exoplanet as potentially harboring life (now or in the past).
Source: Space.com
Activity
Show students the cartoon and ask them the following questions:
- What’s the main idea? Why is it good and bad news?
- Why do you think the cartoonist decided to present the discovery this way? How else could it be presented?
- Have you heard of K2-18b or other planets that could potentially harbour life? What do you know about these planets?
- How likely do you think it is that there are simple life forms on K2-18b or other exoplanets (or moons)? How about intelligent life?
- Do you think humans will ever live on celestial bodies other than Earth? Why do you think so?
Glossary
- exoplanet – a planet outside the Solar System
- extraterrestrial life – life beyond Earth
- harbour life – to contain life and allow it to develop
What do you think about this edition of News for Classroom Use?
